This Is What War Looks Like

Joseph Kay photographs the front lines in Congo

Last week fighting broke out between the army of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group near the city of Goma in eastern Congo, amid months of negotiations meant to end a bitter and sometimes violent standoff.

U.N. armored vehicles in Goma on Sept. 4 Joseph Kay photo

The U.N.’s newly-reinforced peacekeeping contingent joined the combat with mortars, armored vehicles and helicopters. M23 is retreating and the front has now moved about 15 kilometers past Kibati on Goma’s outskirts, held by M23 since late last year.

Children haul crops in Goma on Sept. 4. Joseph Kay photo

With the rebels’ departure from the immediate area, families—many of them living in refugee camps—finally have access to their fields for the first time in months.